Modernization

Oversight Democrats Want at Least $1B for Technology Upgrades in Next Relief Bill 

Lawmakers make the case that the funding should be included in any coronavirus relief package that comes to a vote to help address IT systems struggling due to surge in demand. 

Cybersecurity

DISA to Release Zero-Trust Model This Year

Vice Adm. Nancy Norton said the Defense Department must take a data-centric approach to protecting its networks.

Artificial Intelligence

New Intelligence-Community AI Principles Seek to Make Tools Useful—and Law-Abiding

Over the last five years, AI has grown considerably, as has public concern about its use, particularly for national security purposes.

Digital Government

Contact Tracing Demonstrates Need for National Privacy Laws, Lawmaker Says

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers said the technology being developed to aid the fight against coronavirus proves the need for a standardized privacy framework.

Artificial Intelligence

4 Senators Introduce Bill with New Tools to Compete Against China

The bill includes major tech proposals, calling for more investment and closer partnerships with allies.

Digital Government

Senate Voices Privacy Concerns Over Contact Tracing

Experts were gathered in front of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection to testify on scams. But data privacy concerns bubbled over.

Cybersecurity

White House Cites Intel Sharing Efforts in NDAA Veto Threat

The related provisions would implement major recommendations from the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. 

Modernization

Preliminary FITARA Scores Look Good, Lawmaker Says

FITARA scores are not finalized but Rep. Gerry Connolly says no agency will receive a D or an F on upcoming scorecard.

Ideas

Research on Voting by Mail Says It's Safe – from Fraud and Disease

It can inspire public confidence in the voting process, if done properly.

Digital Government

Out of View: After Public Outcry, CDC Adds Hospital Data Back to Its Website — for Now

Dr. Joseph Varon, center, visits with Dorothy Webb, left, and her daughter, Tammie, while making his rounds inside the Coronavirus Unit at United Memorial Medical Center in July

Modernization

Lawmakers Push to Make Telehealth Options Permanent

Early data shows patients quickly embraced telemedicine options agencies expanded during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Digital Government

Bill Would Push State Department to Clear Passport Backlog

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the backlog of Americans waiting for passports has ballooned to at least 1.4 million people.

Emerging Tech

NASA Wants Feedback on Liability Issues with Sending Private Astronauts to Space

The space agency is seeking additional feedback on the insurance and accountability issues that accompany bringing commercial astronauts to the International Space Station.

Artificial Intelligence

Attorney General: China May Supplant U.S. If It Wins AI Race

William Barr blasted Google, Microsoft and other American big tech companies for being short-sighted while meeting the Chinese government’s demands for operating within the country. 

Digital Government

Security Clearance Reformers Tout Progress Amid COVID-19

The pandemic pushed adjudicators to conduct more virtual interviews, though that progress might be undone when the crisis passes.